Pubs to win reprieve on total smoking ban

Strong opposition among Londoners to an outright smoking ban has led the Government to propose compromise plans for the country. Health Secretary John Reid will seize on a recent Mori poll for the Mayor of London showing that just 42 per cent of the public backed a total ban in bars and pubs, the Evening Standard has learned.

Proposals for a scheme whereby pubs would be granted a smoking licence by their local council are expected in the Government's White Paper next week.

The compromise is sure to be

in contrast with tougher measures announced by the Scottish Executive on Wednesday.

Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell is set to outlaw smoking in all public places, with fines of up to ?3,600.

The move comes after Professor Sir Charles George from the British Heart Foundation backed calls for a total ban and revealed he had personally lobbied Dr Reid on the issue.

"I think the evidence of harm from cigarette smoking direct or passive is stronger than it was," Sir Charles said.